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The V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency and the V.I. Housing Authority could soon be the recipients of federal grant funds to fix the territory’s damaged housing stock.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency notified the public of its intention to provide the grant so the two local government agencies can restructure, rebuild, and revitalize public housing communities across the territory.
According to the press release, VIHA intends to refurbish units and also add improvements including playgrounds, parks and community centers. The authority will also relocate developments to areas less vulnerable to natural disasters. Existing complexes will also be re-engineered into smaller developments with more spacious units.
As part of the process and in accordance with prevailing legislation, a Programmatic Environmental Assessment of the proposed project has been prepared and is now available for public comment. The PEA assesses the potential impacts of the planned actions on the physical, biological, cultural and human environments.
Members of the public wishing to access the PEA can find it on the websites of FEMA, VITEMA and the VIHA physical copies are available at Housing Authority offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix:
- VI Housing Authority St. Thomas Office, 9900 Oswald Harris Court, St. Thomas
- VI Housing Authority St. Croix Office, #5 Estate Upper Bethlehem, Kingshill, St. Croix
The comment period is open for 30 days from the publication of the PEA on the FEMA and VITEMA websites. Email comments to [email protected].